Zubkova's Quiet Place Shelter | Emmy-Nominated "Black Snow"

Black Snow Documentary Nominated for the Emmy Awards: A Powerful Statement by Natalia Zubkova

The documentary "Black Snow", which tells the story of independent journalist and human rights defender Natalia Zubkova, has been officially nominated for the prestigious American News & Documentary Emmy Awards in the categories of Best Documentary and Best Director.
The film is centered on Natalia’s fierce struggle against the environmental catastrophe in Kuzbass, Russia. Following targeted threats and a physical assault, she was forced to flee the country urgently. For our shelter team, this film is more than just cinema; it is a stark reminder of what those who defend human rights must endure.

To Whom Is This Success Dedicated?

Natalia approaches this nomination without personal vanity. For her, it is a crucial platform to draw global attention not only to environmental disasters but also to the horrors of the war waged by Russia against Ukraine. She highlights the plight of Ukrainian women held in Russian captivity, who are subjected to torture and degradation solely because their husbands, sons, fathers, or brothers are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

Natalia Zubkova's Statement:

“I have made the decision to donate this money to 'Perviy Otdel' (First Department). Because there are things far more important than financial security.
A year and a half ago, I heard the stories of Ukrainian women who are systematically abducted from occupied territories and thrown into Russian prisons. These are women who committed no crimes. Their only 'guilt' is being the wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters of Ukrainian soldiers. They are taken hostage. When I learned what they go through—the torture, the violence, the deaths... it shook me.
It is a systematic destruction of human personality. At some point, I caught myself thinking: this cannot be explained by standard words like 'cruelty' or 'war.' This is something far darker. It is a level where a human ceases to be human. Where even the shadow of compassion vanishes. Where someone else's pain means absolutely nothing. I do not understand how people capable of such things come to exist.
It is impossible to stand aside. When I found out that 'Perviy Otdel' is actively helping these women—defending them, fighting for them, trying to drag them out of this hell—I had no doubts left. That money belongs there. Because while some destroy lives, others do everything to save them. I also know that 'Perviy Otdel' supports other female political prisoners who face torture and abuse in Russian penitentiaries.
This is monumental, exhausting, and real work. They protect those who have no protection left. They do what many inside the Russian Federation are terrified to do.
I am a woman myself. I am a mother. And I understand what vulnerability means. I understand that finding oneself in such a situation is not just about fear. It is a living hell where it is terrifyingly easy to lose everything—including your very self.”

A Gesture of Gratitude to Germany

Natalia stated that if "Black Snow" wins the Emmy, the film will be dedicated to Germany. This is her personal gesture of deep appreciation to the society and the country that provided humanitarian asylum and safety to her and her children, despite all the subsequent integration challenges.

“On May 28, the Emmy Award winner in the documentary category will be announced in New York. This is a film about my life and my struggle.
It is a profound honor to stand alongside the world's most powerful works by my colleagues, including those from Ukraine. But I have already won my main victory. In my darkest hour, Germany opened its doors to me and my daughter, giving us protection.
I declare in advance: I dedicate this film and any of its success to the people of Germany. I am infinitely grateful to the German federal government and human rights defenders who literally saved my life, as well as the lives of my three children. I dedicate this journey to the beautiful city of Essen and my wonderful neighbors who welcomed us as their own!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to continue my fight for a happy and peaceful future for our children. This hope for the end of the dictatorship and for peace is what gives me the strength to live and fight. Due to financial constraints, I will not be able to attend the Emmy ceremony in New York myself. I am still just a political refugee in Europe. Nevertheless, I am not merely a refugee. I am a person who has been given the chance to continue my vital work.”

Solidarity in Action

The protagonist of "Black Snow" demonstrates solidarity in action through her support for captive Ukrainian women. For Natalia, human rights advocacy has never been limited to a single topic or nationality. While living in forced emigration, being temporarily unemployed, and navigating harsh living conditions in migration camps, she proves the core principles of humanism through her deeds. Natalia has fully transferred all the monetary funds from the Alnoba Moral Courage Award to the non-profit organization "Perviy Otdel" (First Department), which legally defends Ukrainian women in Russian captivity and supports female political prisoners.
This act is a direct reflection of the values upon which our shelter's mission is built. There is no such thing as someone else's sorrow. Solidarity and unwavering support for those in the most vulnerable situations must unite us all—everyone who stands firmly against the war and Putin's dictatorship.